South San Jose - San Jose, CA

South San Jose spent its first 150 years as a rural farming community, but, after veterans from WWII returned and settled in the area, the resulting population boom created a more industrial economy. Today San Jose is regarded as the unofficial capital of Silicon Valley and leads the way in creating new technologies and tech jobs.

The Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, which celebrates the era when local miners found mercury in the area, makes for a relaxing and informative afternoon and provides a beautiful venue for weddings and large business meetings. Don't miss the Almaden Valley Art & Wine Festival, held every September and featuring a wide array of live performances, wine tasting and local artwork. Though parking can be hard to find, the organizers provide shuttles to improve the trip.

Though South San Jose showcases a wide variety of restaurants, especially on and around Monterey Highway, go a bit off the beaten path for the tasty entrees at Mariscos La Costa. Their $1.50 tacos with a variety of meat choices make for an inexpensive and tasty lunch, and locals praise their carne asada burrito. Top your meal off with some horchata for the full flavor experience.

The Shiki Japanese Restaurant, an unpretentious little restaurant in South San Jose, serves some of the cheapest and most delicious teriyaki and tempura dishes in the area. Though all the food leaves the kitchen on Styrofoam plates, their sushi leaves no room for complaint. Try the California Roll, which the sushi chefs pack with fresh avocado.

A large number of Chinese and Korean restaurants make their home in the neighborhood, but none match up to the quality-cost comparison at Yen Ching Chinese Food. Try their famous honey walnut prawns for lunch or dinner, and don't miss the chicken salt fish fried rice or the handmade egg rolls when you go.

Many South San Jose residents travel north into downtown for the complete nighttime scene, but South San Jose lays claim to several hip dive bars and clubs itself. The Escape offers Monday Night Football specials in a friendly, low-key atmosphere, and Club Ricky, a gay bar and club, provides plenty of seating and an interesting setting for a night of fun.

For the musically inclined, a variety of local cafes, such as Caffe Frascati, host open mic nights, and Johnny V's regularly invites small-name bands to take the stage.

Public transportation in South San Jose rivals all but a few other cities and neighborhoods, with more than eight VTA light rail stations in the area. The 72, 73 and 102 routes make it easy to head downtown or into Palo Alto. Light rail tickets start at $2 for a one-way trip, and the community bus costs $1.25 one way. Though many people favor the public transportation system over driving, State Roads 85 and 87 as well as CR G8 make for the best ways to get around South San Jose. Highway 101 is also easy to reach.

Parking within the South Bay has become notoriously difficult to find, and South San Jose follows the trend. If you’re lucky, you can find an open parking meter or free curbside parking near your destination, but many commuters prefer to use the public transportation system.

With more than 5,000 bike trails all through the city of San Jose, many residents choose to commute on their bicycle rather than fight for a parking spot. The Guadalupe River Trail ranks high as the most beautiful and pristinely kept bike trail in the neighborhood. With downtown just a hop away, many of the South San Jose establishments lie close enough to walk to. You should have no problem finding a new place to eat within walking distance.

Taxis are more than willing to give you a ride if you call, but more and more residents and tourists use Uber to get around in the city.

The wide array of parks is one of South San Jose’s brightest highlights. Coyote Creek Trail, a 15-mile stretch between Hellyer Park and Anderson Lake Park, presents the perfect place to ride your bike, take a stroll or lounge while enjoying the lake view. The park is dog friendly with plenty of squirrels to chase. You might even encounter a wild turkey if you’re lucky. This park costs nothing and regularly opens to the public.

Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park also shines as one of San Jose’s gems with plenty of basketball courts, a baseball field and even lawn bowling. The free park also houses a safe playground for kids to run out all their energy.

If you want to head north toward downtown, San Jose hosts a 26-year-old Music in the Park Festival that brings famous bands to the residents of the city. As the largest outdoor music festival in the area, you won't want to miss it. The festival rotates between parks, and typically takes place during the summer.

Living in South San Jose costs around 20 percent more than the California average. Housing in South San Jose breaks the bank. At an average of $2,030 for one-bedroom rentals, housing accounts for the biggest expense by far. And, when getting a beer at a pub, you can expect to pay $5-$6.

Gas prices in South San Jose run about 11 percent higher than the national average at any given time.

Westfield Oakridge Shopping Center presents the best chance for shopping within South San Jose. From stores such as 100% Pure, which stocks all-natural, cruelty-free cosmetics, to high-end fashion boutiques, the shopping centers provides plenty of local options. Chain stores such as Target and Nordstrom Rack supply residents' everyday shopping needs.

Locally-owned boutiques, such as 2nd Hand Rose Boutique, provides South San Jose residents with fresh styles and vintage fashions that deserve a comeback. Shopping along Lincoln Avenue, however, gives the biggest selection of local stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques.

Safeway and Trader Joe’s make the best options for day-to-day groceries in the area, though farmers markets in both Blossom Hill and Cambrian Park provide fresh local produce as well as art and freshly made food.